The Climate Action Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the Kennebunk Select Board and town staff in formulating and overseeing the implementation of the Kennebunk Climate Action Plan.

This committee will assist Town officials and town staff in addressing the challenges presented by climate change. This would include, but is not limited to, supporting the Town in reaching carbon neutrality, mitigating the effects of sea level rise on the infrastructure and natural resources, and providing education to the municipality and its stakeholders about the environmental and financial benefits of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It will also support efforts in outreach that engage residents on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. This advisory committee would also be responsible for:

• Prioritizing Climate Action Plan strategies;
• Making budget recommendations relevant to strategies indicated in the Climate Action Plan;
• Coordinating with the partners included in the Plan;
• Creating and sharing outreach opportunities that match the goals of the Climate Action Plan such as energy programs, food waste recycling programs, projects, and policies that will reduce the community’s reliance on fossil fuels, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, promote renewable energy, and reduce the amount of carbon and methane the community produces;
• Making recommendations for ordinances, policies, projects, and objectives to address actions indicated in the Plan;
• Consistently communicating with partners and stakeholders;
• Confirming that any recommended actions align with the Comprehensive Plan;
• Creating a budget for the Committee to facilitate implementation;
• Seeking grants and other funding sources for implementation of the strategies;
• Communicating with surrounding communities, utilities, and organizations such as the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission for the implementation of regional strategies;
• Promoting capital projects that are designed to take into consideration climate change and future environmental challenges to minimize destruction from natural disasters and preserve both natural and financial resources.

The Climate Action Committee will follow these guiding principles:

• Evidence-based and rigorous.
• Action-oriented, with immediate implementation whenever possible.
• Financially responsible.
• Resourceful and efficient, with funding sources and savings identified.
• Inclusive and just, with broad input.
• Accountable, with benchmarks and dashboards part of the transparency of process and progress.
• Ambitious and transformative.